Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel each present unique characteristics that appeal to different types of typists and gamers alike. The Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its balanced typing experience, offering a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that often resonates with the coveted "thock" noise, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a refined tactile sensation without excessive noise. In contrast, the Yoel linear switch provides a distinctly chewy typing experience, enveloping fingers with a bright and clacky sound profile that produces a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out. While the Sticky Rice caters to users who seek a polished, nuanced feel, the Yoel appeals to those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel both employ polycarbonate in their top housings, which establishes a clear similarity between the two switches in terms of sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is known to contribute to a sharper and crisper audio experience, and both switches benefit from this material’s stiffer characteristics. As a result, users can expect a bright and resonant sound, particularly when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual aesthetics while complementing the auditory qualities. Thus, the top housing of both switches ensures that sound clarity and brightness are consistently delivered, making them suitable for users seeking a vibrant typing experience.
However, the bottom housing materials of these switches diverge significantly, which impacts their overall sound profiles. The Sticky Rice (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, a traditional choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, providing a muted, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which, while also delivering a deeper sound profile, is described as more muted compared to nylon. The inherent discrepancies in the bottom housing materials suggest that while both switches can create rich sound experiences, the character of that depth will vary, with the Sticky Rice (V2) providing a more pronounced bass response due to the sound absorption qualities of nylon.
To summarize, while both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the PH Studio Yoel share a commonality in their polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound clarity and responsiveness, their differing bottom housing materials yield unique characteristics in their sound profiles. The interaction between these two elements dictates the overall auditory experience: the sharper top sound resulting from polycarbonate combined with the deeper tones contributed by nylon or POM in the bottom housing results in distinctive acoustic signatures for each switch. Users seeking a specific auditory experience can look to these materials to understand and exploit the nuances between the Sticky Rice (V2) and the Yoel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer less resistance during long typing sessions or intensive gaming. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users find preferable for tactile feedback. This means that while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter and ideal for users seeking ease of use, the Yoel offers a firmer push that could enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch should lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2), while those desiring a heavier feel will likely gravitate towards the Yoel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that the Sticky Rice (V2) has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Yoel switch measures at 3.2 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm puts the Yoel at the shorter end of the spectrum, catering to gamers and users seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more traditional depth that some users may find preferable, as it offers a more pronounced feel during key presses. Ultimately, users who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the Yoel switch, while those who appreciate a more substantial travel experience may opt for the Sticky Rice (V2).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch presents a neutral sound signature that many typists find appealing, subtly hinting at the "thock" that enthusiasts desire. This sound profile is characterized by a refined and solid sound when bottoming out, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that does not overwhelm the senses. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch boasts a bright and clacky sound profile, producing a crisp and percussive sound upon keypress. When keys hit the bottom of their travel, the resonance is pronounced and immersive, creating an auditory experience that is lively and engaging, notably different from the more subdued tone of the Sticky Rice.
Regarding feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) switch is distinguished by its exceptionally smooth keystroke, afforded by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This contributes to a balanced typing experience that retains a system of refined tactile sensations without veering into overly tactile territory—ideal for users who prefer a straightforward input with less resistance. The Yoel linear switch, on the other hand, is known for a delectably chewy feel that envelops the fingertips, delivering a "creamy" typing experience that feels silky and polished under the fingers. The smoother factory lubricated switch enhances the overall key travel, providing a more luxurious and gliding sensation compared to the Slightly more tactile nature of the Sticky Rice.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Sticky Rice provides a neutral yet satisfying sound with a smooth feel, perfect for those seeking a refined typing experience. Conversely, the Yoel excels in providing a brighter, more resonant sound and a creamy, silky typing experience, ideal for anyone looking for a more lively and playful touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as each switch brings its distinct charm to the keyboard table.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter keystroke and enjoy a balanced typing experience with a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option. Its smooth operation and neutral sound profile provide a delightful "thock" that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks where precision is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Yoel switch could be the better fit. Its bright, clacky sound and delectable, creamy feel offer an engaging experience that is hard to resist, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In summary, consider your desired force, sound characteristics, and typing sensation to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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